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The 2025 Veterinary Scholars Symposium took place August 6-9, in Spokane, Washington.

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The 2025 Veterinary Scholars Symposium took place August 6-9, in Spokane, Washington.

Grad 25 Melissa Leonard

2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Research Award for Graduate Veterinarians

Melissa Leonard, DVM, DACVP is a PhD candidate in Immunology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Following time spent in clinical practice as a veterinarian, Melissa was inspired to pursue a career in veterinary pathology and biomedical research due to a strong interest in understanding disease pathogenesis and mechanisms. Melissa received the 2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Graduate Veterinarians for her current research focused on examining the molecular mechanisms underlying T cell migration and effector function during influenza infection. The goal of her research is to promote the development of new therapeutics that benefit both human and animal health. 

Learn more about Melissa's research

2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Research Award for Graduate Veterinarians

Melissa Leonard, DVM, DACVP is a PhD candidate in Immunology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Following time spent in clinical practice as a veterinarian, Melissa was inspired to pursue a career in veterinary pathology and biomedical research due to a strong interest in understanding disease pathogenesis and mechanisms. Melissa received the 2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Graduate Veterinarians for her current research focused on examining the molecular mechanisms underlying T cell migration and effector function during influenza infection. The goal of her research is to promote the development of new therapeutics that benefit both human and animal health. 

Learn more about Melissa's research
Grad 25 Melissa Leonard
Res Award 25 Katelyn Kahler

2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Research Student Award

Katelyn Kahler is a veterinary student at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She was awarded the 2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Veterinary Students for her work on developing a pneumococcal vaccine incorporating a novel adjuvant designed to enhance mucosal immunity. Katelyn is deeply passionate about the role of veterinary research in advancing both human and animal health and the unique opportunities veterinary scientists have to contribute through translational models. Her experience in the Veterinary Scholars Program provided valuable insight into the societal impact of veterinary research, fueling her commitment to grow as both a clinician and a researcher throughout her career. 

Learn more about Katelyn's research

2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Research Student Award

Katelyn Kahler is a veterinary student at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She was awarded the 2025 Boehringer Ingelheim Research Award for Veterinary Students for her work on developing a pneumococcal vaccine incorporating a novel adjuvant designed to enhance mucosal immunity. Katelyn is deeply passionate about the role of veterinary research in advancing both human and animal health and the unique opportunities veterinary scientists have to contribute through translational models. Her experience in the Veterinary Scholars Program provided valuable insight into the societal impact of veterinary research, fueling her commitment to grow as both a clinician and a researcher throughout her career. 

Learn more about Katelyn's research
Res Award 25 Katelyn Kahler